Liverpool ending the season without a trophy is NOT a failure – John Barnes

John Barnes claims it would not be a failure of a season if Liverpool ended the campaign without any silverware, despite the Reds fighting for both domestic and European trophies.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently second in the Premier League table, only behind leaders Manchester City on goal difference, and they resume their Champions League campaign at the round of 16 stage on Tuesday evening.

Bayern Munich will not be easy opponents, but Liverpool made it all the way to the Champions League final last season to prove their quality at the highest level of the European game.

Similarly, Manchester City are favourites to win the Premier League, though Liverpool can return to the top of the table this weekend with a defeat of Manchester United.

City are not in action as they face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, meaning the Reds can take advantage by opening up a three point gap over Pep Guardiola’s side – and you can listen to full commentary of Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford LIVE on talkSPORT.

Nonetheless, Liverpool are only considered outside contenders for both competitions they remain challenging for, with other sides backed to secure the silverware Klopp is chasing.

But ending the season without any silverware will be no bad thing for the Anfield club, as John Barnes claims a trophyless campaign is NOT a failure.

“The season would not at all be a failure if Liverpool weren’t to win anything,” Barnes, speaking exclusively for bookmaker comparison platform BonusCodeBets.co.uk, said.

“I would rather finish second in the league – five or six points off the top – and not win the Champions League, than win the Champions League but be 20 points off the top.

“That shows the team you are, in terms of consistency week in, week out.

“Winning the cups, but being 20 or so points off the top, shows an inconsistent team. You can win the Champions League by luck when you look at teams like Porto that have won in the past.

“If you’re four or five points off the top, you’re consistently challenging each week – you’re performing in a good manner.

“It’s always about how close you can get to the top of the league, for me, showing the team you are domestically.”